By Margaret E
Roses are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases but many of us have seen old roses growing unattended in neglected gardens, where they haven't been sprayed or given any other care. When conditions suit their needs roses grow with little or no human intervention.
When I first started growing roses I was told that without a spraying regime, the plants would be disease-ridden and of poor quality. I hated spraying, both the messy job and the danger from fumes or skin absorption. I issued an ultimatum: grow without chemical help or be replaced. Most of them stayed. That was around forty years ago. I have moved to another location now but I don't spray my roses here, either, and they are healthier than my friend's sprayed ones.
How, then do you grow healthy roses without using dangerous pesticides? I think in my early gardening years luck was part of the equation, but a more reliable way is to use an organic gardening system such as the one described below. It is important to choose your plants carefully and build up healthy soil that will support their growth. Proper preparation will spare you a lot of remedial work later. Pruning is helpful, but it's a topic for separate discussion. See below for a link to information on pruning roses*.
Before Planting
1. Buy rose varieties that are suited to your area. For example, if you are living in a cold area don't try to grow Tea roses. A rose that is growing well in a neighbour's garden should grow in yours too. If you plan to buy from outside your area check out the temperature range within which those roses will grow.
2. Roses need 8 - 10 hours of sun a day so position your rose bed accordingly. There are some old-fashioned roses, such as rugosas, that can grow with less sun so if the site is a little on the shady side, look for rose varieties that are more tolerant of shade.
3. Prepare the soil by digging in compost or well-rotted manure. This will not only help to feed the plants but will help the soil to retain water more evenly. Roses prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 - 6.5). For more information on building healthy soil see http://gardening.about.com/od/soil/a/GardenSoil.htm
4. A way of ensuring that the water reaches the roots when you water is to sink a piece of wide plastic tubing about 30 cm long (12 inches) into the soil near the plant and level with the soil. You could fill this with small stones to keep soil from blocking it. A tube each side of the plant is even better.
5. Consider using companion planting. Garlic, parsley, alyssum, mignonette and nasturtiums are recommended companions to discourage pests and attract beneficial insects.
Planting
1. When planting, dig a large hole and add compost and/or well-rotted manure. Sprinkle a little bone dust or organic fertilizer over it and mix through.
2. Back fill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost. If the plants have been grafted make sure the graft stays above the soil level.
3. Water in thoroughly
4. Don't add any more fertilizer until you see new growth.
Care
1. Use an organic fertilizer to feed the roses about once a month
2. Water frequently, watering the bases of the plant not the leaves.
3. If insect pests appear get rid of them with a soapy water spray, spray with neem oil or use another recognized organic spray.
4. Neem also helps plants resist diseases. If powdery mildew or black spot appear you may need to buy an organic product. Remove any diseased leaves and destroy them - do not compost them.
A note of interest: in my country, New Zealand, we can buy Neem in the form of granules. These are sprinkled around plants every 4 - 6 weeks and watered in. By doing this I grow roses without aphids or other insect pests. I also used it around spring cauliflower plants when I saw caterpillars on the leaves and now have undamaged cauliflowers ready to cut. If you can get it, it appears to work as well as Neem oil and is easier to use.
While this may seem a lot of work it is actually less than is required for growing roses the conventional way. Your plants are healthier and need less attention. If you choose to use organic sprays they are safer than chemical or synthetic ones but still require care when being used. Make sure you read the instructions on the container.
A final thought: Did you know that you can eat rose petals? If you want to indulge in culinary creativity with roses you will want to avoid the use of toxic pesticides.
* To find out about pruning roses visit:
https://www.davidaustinroses.com/american/Advanced.asp?PageId=1920
Gardening should not be a tiresome chore but an engrossing pastime. Would you like more information on easy ways to http://abundantgarden.net grow vegetables in order to increase your knowledge and save yourself work in the garden? At http://abundantgarden.net you'll find helpful ideas, a chance to comment or ask questions and, if you wish, you can sign up for emails (we won't flood your mailbox) to keep you up to date with what's new at the site.
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